There's nothing better than making music
This is my response to a remark overheard following the Memorial Day observance held at St. Peter Church on Monday, May 31, referring to members of the Spring Valley Concert Band as a "bunch of adults with nothing better to do."
Nothing better to do?
I second the "notion:" there IS nothing better to do than volunteer your time to give back to the community and engender pride upon it and yourÂself.
Equally commendable are the joy and comfort that music brings in its outreach to the institutionalized residents in veterans hospitals and rehab facilities, or helping to raise funds for citizens' medical expenses.
Whether or not you have ever played an instrument, regardless of your proficiency level, you are implementing a providential gift. I suggest that person acquaint himself with a musical instrument - hold it, look at it, play a note, and try to imagine how many weeks, months, years it would take to make music.
Those people in the band have families, full-time jobs, volunteer at various civic events (blood drives, Scouting, sports programs), yet give up precious time to devote two hours weekly at band rehearsals to heighten the reverence of a Memorial Day observance. I agree: There is nothing better to do!
Joan M. Kleppe
Schaumburg
Co-founder, executive director of the Spring Valley Concert Band